Updating and Correcting FBI Arrest-Fingerprint Records

Dedham/Westwood FBI Background Checks Attorney

An FBI Identification Record, also commonly called a Criminal History Record or Rap Sheet, is a record of certain information taken from fingerprint submissions retained by the FBI in connection with arrests and, in some instances, federal employment, naturalization or military service. If you were arrested and fingerprinted, you have an FBI record in addition to your state criminal record (called a CORI).

It is essential to know that an FBI record is not automatically updated once the criminal case against you has ended. Whether you were acquitted, the charges were dismissed or there was another outcome, your FBI record will give your arrest information to anyone doing a criminal background check. As far as they may be concerned, the criminal issue is not resolved if it is not explicitly stated in the FBI record.

Contact a Dedham/Westwood lawyer at the Law Office of Philip L. Arnel.

Additionally, criminal charges that were amended and reduced will not appear if the FBI record is not updated and corrected, and the more severe initial charge will continue to appear. In instances where you received a favorable disposition, it may be inferred that you were convicted if the initial FBI record is not updated and corrected. This is why it is so important for you to seek the help of a lawyer who knows the details of how to change and/or update an FBI record.

At the Law Office of Philip L. Arnel, we can help you understand how to deal with your FBI record. Attorney
Philip Arnel is highly knowledgeable in this area, helping clients through the process of updating their FBI records. Since they cannot be expunged or sealed, you must update and correct them so that anyone looking at your record understands that it is no longer an issue for you. Attorney Arnel can handle the
sealing/expunging of your CORI, and the updating and correcting of your FBI record. Throughout these processes, he works with the Massachusetts State Police as well as the FBI.

Contact a Massachusetts lawyer at the Law Office of Philip L. Arnel today to discuss how to change or update your FBI record.

Why You Should Update Your FBI Record

By updating and/or correcting your FBI record, you are effectively eliminating that issue, as well as any inconvenience and embarrassment that may stem from the discovery of your record. Most individuals do not realize there is a problem until it is affecting their life. Taking proactive action can minimize issues down the road. Issues can include:

Employers doing background checks

Public housing applications

Private landlord applications

Mortgage company background checks

School applications

Essentially, anyone who can do a background check on you can access any FBI criminal record information.

The other problem is in regard to travel. When you are at the airport, airport officials may do a random background check on you as a passenger. They are going to do it in the federal — FBI — database. If something comes up and it is incomplete or confusing, they may pull you aside. By the time they figure it out, you have probably missed your flight. A number of our firm's clients have been in this situation, and embarrassed to be pulled out of line.

Not Arrested? No FBI Record.

If you were not arrested, brought to the police station, booked and fingerprinted as part of the process, you will not have an FBI criminal record. Individuals who have received only an arraignment summons will have a
state record, but no FBI record will begin to accumulate unless they are actually arrested.

Contact a Stoughton FBI Records Lawyer

Do not risk your future opportunities or embarrassment by failing to update and correct your FBI criminal record. Let the Law Office of Philip L. Arnel help.
Contact us in Dedham/Westwood, Massachusetts, at 781-708-4137. For more information, please see
Updating And Correcting FBI Record FAQ.

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See Attorney Arnel in the CHANNEL 5-WCVB BOSTON News Story

Testimonials

"Phil, Thanks for representing me at the magistrates court last Monday. You put in the hard work and told me step by step what was going to happen. Your work was eye opening, as far as how you knew how to handle the court system. I cringe at the thought of having hired another lawyer, or worse not having any representation. Thanks again”